>>1754458
Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Magical%20Girl%20For%20Hire%20Quest
General Pastebin: http://pastebin.com/u/MGFHQHandler
Character Details: http://pastebin.com/9J70gqM2 - UPDATED
Miranda's Techniques: http://pastebin.com/eTu7U2PZ
FAQ: http://pastebin.com/8unLWUjF
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MGFHandler

You are Miranda Styles, a relatively unscrupulous magical girl currently working for Silver Eye Solutions, a umbrella corporation for magical girl mercenaries such as yourself, located in scenic The Intersection, a dimensional nowhere and everywhere where you rest, recuperate, live, and get details for your next job.

Curently, you’re on your latest gig, a four-person job to kill a superpower thief called Siphon. After getting a basic rundown of what he’s about and a look at what he can do, you’re off towards Haven City in order to seek out and eliminate this menace. You’ll have to be particularly careful, however, as Siphon’s amassed a nice suite of abilities; finding him when he doesn’t want to be found will be as dicey as killing him most likely.

“So, we’re going to try to keep a distance from him, right?” Lorelei asks. “Don’t think I want him getting ahold of me- or anyone else here, for that matter.”

“Agreed,” Izumi says. “I’m wondering if it might be possible to eliminate him from long-range somehow- I don’t think a regular sniper bullet will do the trick, but if a sonic shout can damage him, there’s got to be something there…perhaps anti-material rounds...”

Lorelei gawks at her. “You GOT those?” The way Izumi looks at her is clearly one that takes offense.

“Anyway.” Izumi continues after a brief glare. “We need to figure out how we’re going to move. You’re definitely going to be engaging, Mir-

“Ginger,” you correct. “And Lorelei can probably help sniff him out; with her changing ability, she’ll be able to move better than we will.”

Thinking about that, you look back on the dossier. It had a listing of some spots that he’d been seen at, and some close to real-time general triangulated distances from where he been seen to appear and disappear, which if nothing else gave you a general clue of where he’d been hanging out in the city and his rough location. These probably would be good places to start searching for clues and asking around.

>Haven City Park, a nice sized area that he engaged Team NRG at.
>38th Street, the location of where he fought the speedster Sugarrush.
>Main Street, where he fought Skyward.
>Pier 9, where he fought the Rat Pack.

>>1754462
>pier 9
Judging from the video, he wasnt expecting anybody there. He might have some kind of hideout in the zone, or simply likes it there.

>>1754462
>>Pier 9, where he fought the Rat Pack.

>>1754462
>>>Pier 9, where he fought the Rat Pack.

Pier 9 it is! Writing!

>>1754683
Dammit, we aren't getting the questions about the limitations of his powers answered?

>>1754462
>>1754526
>>1754576
>>1754646

“We’ll check around Pier 9. You remember the look of it?” you ask the trio. “Should have some pictures in this dossier…”

"Yup, right here," Lorelei confirms. "One of those indoor ones, about expected. Wonder if they got anything I could maybe appropriate..."

Ugh. As they do that, you take a look at what they further say about Siphon.

It's mostly a whole lot of threat-level talk, apparently. Makes sense enough- and they're at least smart enough to list known weaknesses. Aside from his 'more than one at a time throws him off' bit, last they checked, he had to consciously activate his enhanced hearing- he seemed to be surprised by loud noises otherwise, and they claim eyewitnesses said he covered his ears briefly at one point when fighting Skyward after she caused a sonic boom.

The detonation power seems to work via touch- it’s actually reminiscent of Lorelei’s own skill. Only this time, it’s apparently kinetic energy that he has to store and then release. The bigger the object, the more kinetic energy he has to store- which he acquires naturally. Lucky him. Apparently he once caused a baseball to explode with the force of a stick of dynamite.

The elements are less exact- although they do mention that something about his Cryo and Pyrokinetic powers seem to prevent each other from utilizing their full strength- despite full sapping their owners, he’s showing markedly less aptitude with them, only being able to affect up to a 50 yard radius as opposed to the original users which could do double that. He can still freeze someone solid or melt brick, however.

Ferrokinesis seems to be something that’s limited by density as opposed to size- he can lift and throw cars, but he’s yet seen to lift anything bigger- that doesn’t matter too much when he can lift multiple in short order, however, nor does it apparently stop him from emitting a field where bullets simply...curve, if he knows he’s being shot at.

IF is good. Means that it's, again, conscious. But between that and his natural toughness...yikes. No wonder they'd ruled bullets out.

Aerokinesis seems to be his weakest ability- he’s rarely seen using it, and by all accounts he could only make powerful blasts of air- enough to at least tilt a billboard. This is noted to be in stark contrast to Skyward, who could fly, create razor-sharp blades of air, summon miniature tornados, and more.

Well, all things considered, it might be...challenging, but you think you can find a way to handle it. Somehow.

cont.

>>1754919
-------
It’s some time before you get airdropped outside of the pier area. From what you understood, there were a series of twelve piers, each with a warehouse nearby; Haven City did a brisk import and export business right along the riverside. Several of them had been closed up and replaced, and now Pier 9 and its neighbors were outdated and abandoned installations. The fact that he’d been so close to an area that’d be busy was...concerning. And yet, it was the best point of reference you could get right now.

The pier’s quiet at this time of night as the four of you step in- Mono almost instinctively holds her nose as the dust is kicked up from old floorboards. Looking around, you can still see some remnants of the fight- broken old chairs and empty crates, impact craters and gouges, scorch marks. What’s surprising is that the place seems rather sizeable and still has things left in it- from the looks of it, this particular warehouse was used for home furniture- there were still bits and pieces of broken or forgotten goods there. The lighting was dark in the video, but you can see it a bit clearer now, and you realize that’s where all the smashing sounds came from.

“Alright, ladies, spread out and search. Let’s see if we can’t find anything worth finding."

>Roll 4d20 for Miranda, Lorelei, Izumi, Mono in that order. Best number for each taken.

Rolled 3, 19, 4, 15 = 41 (4d20)

>>1754925

Rolled 2, 1, 19, 5 = 27 (4d20)

>>1754925

Rolled 1, 9, 13, 19 = 42 (4d20)

>>1754925

>>1754933
>>1754942
>two crit fails
Welp. At least izumi and mono found something

>>1754925
QM ded

>>1755939
He's Magical alright, very good at the disappearing acts

>>1756239

He works 16 hour shifts lads. He tries to update before sleeping but sometimes flops into bed.

>>1756324
Understandable. Life seems to mess with QM'ing quite easily. By the way, I don't think thread 31 is archived yet, and it's sinking pretty low in the catalog. Can someone who can think of a good description get on that? I can't for the life of me.

>>1756418
"Miranda introduces a rookie to the merc business and along with lorelei and izumi, they get ready for a new mission"
This is the best i could tought of.

>>1756324
QM CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRSSSSSSSSEEEEEEE

I mean I'm coming off a 15 hour night shift here. I totally sympathize. Gonna home for the 3S and a halfhearted jerk out. It's where you start to jerk off, but pass out with your dick in your hand in bed.

>>1754925
>>1754930
>>1754933
>>1754942
Junk. Junk, junk and more junk. About the only thing you find of note is a tacky old lamp that looks like it still might work, and even then you’d probably just hand it over to Lorelei. Speaking of, you turn over to the girl. “Found anything yet?”

To your surprise, she doesn’t answer- her attention is with Mono on something the latter seems to have pointed out near the back wall. They both start jogging towards it, and you’re compelled to join them, especially considering how they seem to be particularly focused on it.

They end up blocking whatever it is from view for a few moments as they head into a more sparsely lit corner, but as the come out, they see that it’s some strange booklet...it’s actually only a second before you realize that it’s the same thing you saw in the video earlier- something that Siphon was scribbling in. “Well! I think THIS might be important!” Lorelei crows. A quick look reveals...names? People names, not hero names. Martin Sax, Tammy Wilde, Egon Pal,

“As might this,” Izumi adds from her end of the warehouse. You both turn to her direction, and after jogging over you can see... you’re not sure exactly what it is, but it looks like some kind of symbol carved into the ground, an old mattress nearby. Reminds you of occult stuff- it’s an upside down triangle, and interlocked is three circles, interlocked in a triangle pattern themselves. Why such a symbol has been carved into the ground, you’re not sure, but it’s something, and you make sure to log it in your FutureSight.

“Anything else?” you ask, and are met with shakes of the head. “Alright, then-”

“Okay, so we just clear this place out, right?” a voice suddenly calls out. It’s a rough sounding male, and he seems like he’s talking to someone in particular. “Place has been junk long enough, n’ if we can get it empty by sunrise, the new folk can move in no fuss, plus we get a bonus.”

“Why so late, though?” A voice straight from the country asks. “Ain’t y’all never heard of proper workin’ hours?”

“Kid, you’d better get used to it...hey now. Wait a sec. Why’s the place look like a warzone?! Damnit!” Well, nuts. You DO recall the clients wanted you to be quiet about this…

>Try to keep quiet and sneak around them.
>Subdue them for now. Can’t let this get out, unfortunately.
>Other

Sorry, I did indeed kinda show back up and flop out.

>>1756789
>Try to keep quiet and sneak around them.

No need to make a fuss, I can't come up with a good explanation to get out of this.

It's alright man just don't work yourself to death

>>1756789
>Try to keep quiet and sneak around them.
But we kill these civvies with extreme prejudice if they make a fuss.
If the client didn't want civilian casualties, they should have bought the collateral damage rider.

>>1756789
>>Try to keep quiet and sneak around them.

Writing, forgot to mention!

>>1756789
>>1756792
>>1756795
>>1756799
“We move quietly,” you whisper, low and careful as you hunker down towards the ground. There’s precious little cover aside from the few boxes, and as the second of the individuals runs off by order of the rough-voiced man; you see your allies do their best to stay low and keep quiet. You’re guessing someone finally got tired of the place being like this, which is fine- but to show up now of all times? Ugh.

The man immediately starts walking around, taking out a pen and paper and a smartphone in order to write down and record all the mess. That’s...going to prove even worse. You all quickly duck behind a dilapidated couch as he swings his phone over to your direction- it’s not until you hear him start walking further towards the back, muttering to himself, that you move on. If nothing else, Mono at least has skill in walking lightly, and you all manage to make it out of the entrance while is back is turned- you’re forced to haul Mono up with you as you all escape quickly- you can definitely see now that there’s a few movers and junkmen nearby getting ready to clear the place out, and you’re forced to take to the rooftops to do so.

“So, where are we going now?” Mono asks. To answer that, you’re quick to look at what you have. A list of names- none with any particular notes besides them, just...names. However, at the top, three are underlined twice:

MARK STAIN
ALICE COPPLE
NED McCORMICK

The rest are just present, although there’s one name: Betty Joule, with an exclamation point besides her for some reason.

And then there’s the strange symbol...

>Look into Mark Stain
>Look into Alice Copple
>Look into Ned McCormick
>Look into the strange symbol.
>Other Action

>>1756944
>Other
Radio in the list of names and we get cracking on the symbol

>>1756944
>>Look into the strange symbol.

5 to go before set.

>>1756944
>Other
Radio in and get the locals to track down info on the names and symbol.

>>1756944
>check with our boss if the names mean something to them

Hope the choice hasnt been locked down

>>1756944
>>1756949
>>1757026
>>1757059
>>1756954
“Hm. Call it in about the names, ‘Sugar’.” you say quietly to Lorelei. “Mention we’re gonna be looking into that symbol we found, too.”

She nods, and she’s quick to prime her headset as you give a quick check on your FutureSight.

>Symbol Found: Ariadne Collective- Secret Society of individuals dedicated to various interests; public safety, control of governments, assassination, international problem solutions, miscellaneous. Members: Data unavailable.

Hm. Well, that’s unfortunate. Secret societies tended to be bugbears to really collect info on- at least when they’re well entrenched.

“Guys back at base says they got some detail on our top list trio,” Lorelei responds. “Not sure what the connection is, though- apparently they’re all folks in entirely different fields. Unless you got something on that weird triangle circle thing?”

You nod. “Ask ‘em about the Ariadne Collective.”

“Yo, you guys heard that?” A brief silence. “Yeah, they know bits n’ pieces. I’m guessing it’s one of those shadow orgs?” you nod, and she shrugs in response. “Welp, answers my questions. Anyway, apparently they’re all not headquartered here- but they’re all in the city for business purposes. Mark’s one of the biggest tech investors in the country, and Alice is CEO of a major cosmetics company. Ned’s a big name in construction.”

“So either they’re being targeted by this Collective, or are part of it... “

Lorelei speaks up again. “Guys back there wanna know what we’re gonna do about it. Say they can get security detail up on these three in an hour. Frankly, I’m more suspicious than worried. My vote is we case ‘em first.”

“I’m not entirely confident we should wait,” Izumi admits. “I’m not entirely sold on taking such a risk. They may just be moguls that the organization wants dead, and if they’re willing to employ a madman like Siphon to do it…”

“Why would they, though?” Mono pipes up, surprisingly. “Doesn’t seem like he’d bother doing stuff other people wanted, huh? Unless they were manipulating ‘im, I guess...” you’re kinda surprise Mono felt able to weigh in, but you’re not opposed to it. “Gah, I dunno. I’ll just follow you guys, still.”

Gah. You were kind of hoping this would just be a one-night job, but it’s looking like this’ll be a long search...

>Ask to get a secret security detail under the three, persue the symbol elsewhere.
>Focus on the three and see if their relation to the Collective is malicious.
>Split your attentions- have some focus on finding out the Collective, the others on keeping track of the movements of the three businesspeople.
>Let it lie for now and seek out Siphon directly via careful moving around the city.
>Other

>>1757116
>>Focus on the three and see if their relation to the Collective is malicious.

>>1757116
>Let it lie for now and seek out Siphon directly via careful moving around the city.

It's our job.

>>1757116
>Other
What about the other names? Are they dead or alive?
And what's unique about Betty?

>>1757116
>see if any of the three have a special event in the near future. Begin to seek out siphon directly trough the city.

I personally think that the secret organization is a red herring of sorts; it really doesnt helps us in killing siphon any better. But considering who the persons on the list are and the powers siphon has, he could try an assassination attemp on them.

Can work with this. Might not get it out before work, however.

First thread caught live, Woohoo! Keep it up handler!

“Tell them to keep on these names. See if anything’s going on around them- any kind of event. Especially Betty Joule- that one had an exclamation mark on it.” You end up looking out into the city- it’s brightly lit, and the skyline is both entrancing and ominous with the dark clouds rolling in above them. “We need to track down Siphon directly.”

“Just how’re we gonna pull that off, by the way?” Mono asks, trying to rearrange her cloak. “ Sounds like if he don’t show up himself, we’re not gonna find him easy…”

“Nah, they usually leave somethin’ pointing the way,” Lorelei assures after sending the orders in. “Just need to catch them quick afterward.” Mono frowns at that, but says nothing, choosing to instead just follow the three of you as you move out. It’s still quiet out for the city, and hopefully there’s something for you elsewhere...


>Haven City Park, a nice sized area that he engaged Team NRG at.
>38th Street, the location of where he fought the speedster Sugarrush.
>Main Street, where he fought Skyward.
>Stay put until morning and try some daylight investigation. (Lorelei Focus)

Will resume later since I need to sleep.

>>1758725
>Haven City Park, a nice sized area that he engaged Team NRG at.
May as well start from the top

>>1758725
>Haven City Park, a nice sized area that he engaged Team NRG at.

>>1758725
>Haven City Park, a nice sized area that he engaged Team NRG at.
If nothing else it's probably the best place to find a vantage point with a good view of the area

>>1759075
Supporting

>>1758725
>>Haven City Park, a nice sized area that he engaged Team NRG at.

>>1758725
>Stay put until morning and try some daylight investigation. (Lorelei Focus)

>>1758725
>Stay put until morning and try some daylight investigation. (Lorelei Focus)

Let the snoops do their job. Mono can learn this way too.

>>1758725
>Stay put until morning and try some daylight investigation. (Lorelei Focus)

Howdy, folks. Writing!

“We’ve still got work to do,” you announce. “We’re headed for the park.” You’re met with a group of nods before you take off.

It’s slow going, weaving through the night and sticking to the back alleys. There’s a sense of worry that’s sticking through the air, and you’re still not all that keen with flat out stealth. Izumi’s moving like a damn ghost, however, and Lorelei seems to just be at ease with how she moves over rooftops and near fire escapes- sometimes you feel like your gaze just slides off her.

Mono’s proving a bit more of an issue- it seems she at least has some skill in movement, but she’s consistently lagging behind nonetheless- although you can tell it’s less inability, and more she simply doesn’t have the experience to pick out her path quickly. She’s also lacking the sheer physical ability you three have- several jumps require one of you to quickly pick her up and take the leap with her in tow.

Before long, you reach the outskirts of the park area, as you alight on a nearby building...and it’s fairly easy to guess where to go from there, judging from the massive holes in the ground near a small lake, the police tape surrounding the general area, and the numerous destroyed small buildings around the area.

“Yikes…” Mono mutters. “Looks like this wasn’t a short fight.”

You have to agree...but your focus isn’t that. There’s two individuals down there, too. One is a female, in a pink colored leotard with white stripes, and seems to have a weird helmet on, and skates. The other is a slender boy, in a grey suit and with one eye covered. They’re standing at the edge of the crater, and talking to themselves, it seems like.

“Hmm…” you give Lorelei a quick look, and point down at the two with the other hand cupped around your ear. She nods, and with a thought, you activate your enhanced hearing. It’s slight, but you can just make it out.

“...way we can find him like this...we need to think!” the girl bemoans.

“Maybe that’s just fate…” the boy remarks.

“Like heck! We’re down a team member, but not a friend!” the girl responds, stomping her foot. “If...if there’s ANY way to reverse this and get June back in the game… I want to.”

The boy sighs, but the way he folds his arms, it’s clear he’s thinking of how to respond. After a few minutes, he starts walking away further into the park, the girl still staying behind, lost in thought.

“Hmmm…” Lorelei mutters. “Wonder if I can use this…”

>Go for it, Sugar. See if you can get anything useful out of either of them.
>No, we’re staying up here. Clients don’t want us to interact more than necessary.
>We’ll try and follow them if they go anywhere.
>Other

>>1759898
>>Go for it, Sugar. See if you can get anything useful out of either of them.

>>1759898
>Go for it, Sugar. See if you can get anything useful out of either of them.

>>1759898
>Go for it Sugar

Fair enough! Lorelei gets to do the talking thing! Writing!

>>1759898
>>1759940
>>1759952
>>1759956
>You are now Lorelei.

“Go for it, Sugar,” is the call you hear, and holy CRAP it’s everything you take not to sigh in relief. Really, this whole ‘being careful about what you say’ bit is tiring in its own way...but then again, it’s a small price to pay for not flipping out of your own head.

Speaking of that, it’s a flip that you do as you step off the building, and you manage to land gracefully. You’re kind of surprised everyone else (well, maybe not wolfgal) dressed to kill from word go, but you’re not complaining. As boring as it’s been so far, it’s kinda fun to be the point of contact in a whole team!

Anyway, time to make an entrance- you quickly brush off your skirt, make sure everything’s straight, and SASHAY towards the girl in deep thought. You don’t even get to let out a demure ‘ahem’ before she turns around, instantly holding out an arm with two fingers pointed straight at you. “Who’re you?!” she asks with alarm.

“Why, no one in particular,” you answer smoothly, and with a lilt to your voice. “Just someone who overheard you a little. Call me S, if you have to. As for you though, I understand you’re looking for someone, right? A man that did wrong to a partner of yours...”

To the girl’s credit, she gives you the side-eye before nodding. “He’s a man that calls himself Siphon. He’s...he’s responsible for something terrible. A LOT of things terrible, I mean. Why do you ask?”

“Weeell, might be that I and my associates are looking for the same fellow,” you offer. “And I’m thinking we might be able to help each other out a bit, hmm?” Because really, there’s only good that can come from this, if you say so.

“And what’s in it for you?” she immediately responds.

You just shrug. “Simple- we want ‘im gone, is all.”

“And?” she continues. “There’s gotta be a catch. Folks don’t just come out of thin air and offer their assistance to help arrest this guy for the greater good.”

“Arrest him?” you respond. “After all he’s done?”

“Yeah!” she nods. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s horrible, but...we need to find a way to restore the people he’s...messed up. And he needs to pay for his crimes properly. It’s not just us that agrees- there’s a lot of people that want proper justice.” Her guarded look doesn’t leave her face. “If you can’t help with that, then…”

Hm. Well, then, this might be a bit more iffy than you thought it’d be if she wants him ALIVE…

>Try to convince her that it’s useless to try- re-transference is impossible.
>Lie for now and agree to bring him in alive. You’ll deal with the rest when it happens.
>Let the issue go for now- just see if she knows anything about anything easier to talk about.
>Other

>>1760241
>Lie for now and agree to bring him in alive. You’ll deal with the rest when it happens.
*shrug*

>>1760241
>Lie for now and agree to bring him in alive. You’ll deal with the rest when it happens.

>>1760241
> Lie partially


We'd be willing to help the people who lost their powers get them back if possible.

>>1760241
>Lie to her.

"Yeah, i will do everything in my power to bring him to justice"
Then we just let miranda or izumi kill him

>>1760241
>>Lie for now and agree to bring him in alive. You’ll deal with the rest when it happens.

>>1760249
But are we being paid to do that?
Sure, it'll lead to a good performance review, but is the effort worth the amount of good reputation we get?

>>1760283
Thats the beautiful part. We can be willing, but our bosses didn't pay us to do that.

>>1760241
>Well, I suppose I can try taking him alive if the odds are good enough. You know that if you fail he'll just take your powers, right? You'd better have an ironclad plan, else he'll be even more dangerous; I don't want to risk more lives than needed. At least make some sort of backup plan to stop him from getting stronger.

Do we know if the power stealing works through clothes? Maybe we should get them hazmat suits or something.

>Heeeey, Lori?

>Yo?

>What was that?

>What was what?

>...Did you just tell a fiiiib?

>...Maaaaybe.

>Oh gosh, you're so bad!

>It's only a little one! Look, he won't even realize I'm not there for most of the play- besides, he's gonna be too into it to notice I'm gone.

>But what if he notices it's you on stage?

>Pffft, yeah right. What are the chances of that happening? Besides, saving the day comes WAY before a lame nerd date anyday, duh! Now come on! We got a crafty chameleon to collar!

>...if you're sure.

>...?

>...I thought he was okay...

>Ugh, you nerdbait.

>>1760241
>>1760246
>>1760247
>>1760250
>>1760255
“Fine.” You’d never really been a Girl Scout, but you hold your hand up like one! “You have my solemn assurance that I’ll do my best to bring him to justice properly.”

She relaxes slightly at that, and you grin inwardly. A lot of heroes are so surprised when you tell them you’d lied, it’s honestly just funny at this point. Nonetheless, it helps, so hey! “Alrighty, then.” you offer. “So, let’s seal this little arrangement by you hopefully providing us some information.”

“Information about Siphon? Us…?” She still looks a bit suspicious, which while you can’t blame, you wish wouldn’t be a thing. You’re TOTALLY trustworthy!

There’s a few moments before she responds. “We’ve fought him before, if only briefly, and...he mentioned someone named ‘Alice’. We couldn’t get who that was out of him, but it sounded like it was someone important to him...someone I think he lost.” She sighs. “That’s about all we’ve got.”

Uh, more names. Boooring. But, might be useful. “Appreciate that little tidbit. Might be pretty useful.”

“And you?” she asks. Your look of mild confusion causes her to continue. “You’re not going to offer anything in return?”

>Are you?


Gone for now. Will resume tomorrow.

>>1760371
>... her last name is probably Copple. Alice Copple.

>>1760371
>we found this weird symbol in one of the places he fought. Does it ring any bells?

Telling them who is alice might compromise things, specially if siphon appears to kill her, then we come to kill him AND they appear to detain him.

>>1760371
>You wanna be bait? If he's after super heroes, he might come after you. If not, it'd be easy for you to draw him out. I'm game for working together for now.

>Do you have any way to restrain him? Pretty sure at this point he can blast his way out of anything I know of. Anything I can get a hold of, that is.

>>1760371
>we found this weird symbol in one of the places he fought. Does it ring any bells?

> Who are you guys anyways?

>>1760305
is this lori pre intersection?

>>1760525
Seconded.

>>1760925
Nah its probs relatively soon after being taken to the intersection. Remember she got picked up after undoing the universe she lived in.

>>1761306
Also I'm assuming that's Sal talking to her. Maybe not, I guess only handler knows 100%.

>>1760525
>>1761255
Guys, this is a sureway to look like sociopaths and alienate what little help we are getting right now.

>>1761327
I'm pretty sure that's not Sal. There weren't enough drawn out vowels, plus it didn't really fit his character.

>>1760371
Combination of >>1760389 & >>1760618

>>1760371
This:
>>1760395

Questions we should probably ask Mono soon: Can she sing without warping reality, or does it always activate when she sings? Siphon might investigate public singing in an otherwise evacuated city. He'd likely suspect a trap at the location of the singing, but suspecting the singing itself? Unlikely. Also, does Mono have enough control she could put some targets to sleep while exempting others? Could she repeat that paralysis/mind control trick a certain bat-winged siren used?

>>1761363
I probably should have worded those differently. Mostly I said those because it sounded like they didn't had a plan. I mean, at this point the only way to hold him seems to be putting him in a coma.

>>1760371
Give her two names: Alice Copple and Betty Joule.

>>1762079
Personally I just don't want them around when we take him down.

>>1761363
We are sociopaths.

>>1762692
We aren't morons though. We're dealing with super herons, appeal to their sense of justice and they'll act as bait on their own accord

>>1762692
We are amoral bastards, but only on missions. Going full sociopath is usually a bad idea. People (and leads) tend to avoid that kind of people like the plague.

>>1762692
I'd like to know if they have any way to stop Siphon; right now our plan is "hit him till he dies to death." They might have a better idea, and we might get them to help us take him down.

Also, I disagree with the sociopathic part. I'd argue that we're mostly morally flexible, valuing fulfilling the contract as the highest priority when on a mission.

Also, we're controlling Lorelei right now.

Hi folks. Up, and writing.

>>1763187
Hey-o!

>>1760371
>>1760395
>>1760618
You pause only to give her a smirk. “Well, I mean I could, but first I gotta ask- just who are you two?”

“I go by Gravimetra,” is her response. “My friend is Smog.” Smog? Really? Yikes, that’s kind of a rough name. But, hey, whatever. “And we’re trying to help our friend out- Camille.” Hm. Wonder if that’s ‘June’s’ hero name. Makes sense, sorta.

Well, might as well give them a bit of a hook to keep them on the line. “Fine. Was just wondering- and so long as you keep careful around our...mutual target, then I don’t think we’ll have any problems. Considerin' his previous exploits..."

"We'll be fine," she says a bit defiantly. "He only got lucky last time- we would've had him if he hadn't...nevermind." she quickly looks away, blushing angrily. "Point is, we know to be careful."

"If you're certain." Not that you have any particular confidence... "As for my share of information…” and here you’re quick to take out a slip of paper- the notepad Siphon had been using- you’d kept a blank page after jotting down the symbol yourself. “This is a little something I spotted, and I think it might have a connection with ‘im. Dunno if you know anything about that, but…”

She’s quick to snatch the paper away from you, giving it a close look. “This...does look familiar...but I can’t quite remember it right now.” She looks up at you. “I just know I’ve seen it somewhere before…I wonder if Smog knows.”

Before you can say anything else, you hear an alarm go off in the distance- sounds like a typical burglar alarm.

“Yikes.” Gravimetra flinches. “Guess it’s a good thing we couldn’t sleep tonight…”

“Well, you rack your brain for that, and when you figure it out...well, chances are I’ll find you first,” you offer. Especially now that you have a name, you can probably just have Night Watch locate her.

She’s quick to race off, calling Smog’s name, and its only then you realize that she seems to be taking longer strides than normal.

Well, that was...less ideal than you’d hoped, but still might be worth something. As you head back, you’re wondering exactly what might happen come daylight hours…

“Mono’s burning out, and we need a place to hole up anyway,” Izumi suddenly sounds out over communications. Dang, girl had a ways to go if she couldn’t stay up a full day. “We’re ending for tonight and finding somewhere isolated to stay.”

“Fiiiine.” You couldn’t exactly say no to a nap anyway, whether you could stay up for long or not…

>Remain as Lorelei.
>Switch to Miranda.
>Switch to Izumi.
>Switch to Mono.

>>1763423
>switch to mono
I'd like to know how the rookie feels.

>>1763423
>Switch to Mono.
The Rookie!
I wonder if she'll have X-COM Rookie moments.

>>1763423
>Switch to Izumi
Since she's the last of the original trio we haven't played as
>>1763451
>wanting Mono to panic and crit everyone in the back with a rocket launcher

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>>1763502
>mono crits everyone with the rocket launcher
THATS X-COM BABY.

>>1763451
You'd enjoy the unique dice mechanics I have thought up for her. They're not entirely XCOM, but...she IS a rookie.

>>1763542
Oooh whee. That sounds fun!

>>1763423
>>Switch to Miranda.

Locked. Rookie it is.

>>1763423
>>1763434
>>1763451
>You are now Mono. Good luck.

Holy CRAP. This is NOTHING like what you’re used to. Honestly, half of what you’ve seen since you’ve been here is just...mind-blowing. You’ve done your best to keep your head on straight so far, but there’s just so much- SO MUCH. You hadn’t even gotten used to that Intersection place before suddenly you’re going somewhere COMPLETELY different and it’s all honestly a bit breath-taking.

And the CLOTHES. They’re amazing, too! It’s astounding how they just seem to- to shift, and no one really cares! Almost headache inducing, all this new stuff, seriously…

...Although you’re not sure about the killing part. That’s proving a bit...iffy. It’s like- it’s not like it’s never happened before. You’ve seen it happen, and goddess knows you’ve had people make attempts on your life, but...but it still gives you a weird feeling in the pit of your stomach, doing it yourself. Even the test stuff- you more or less got through that by remembering that they were just fakes- magical constructs. Doing it to the real thing... Although it seems like this guy is pretty bad, and Miranda WAS on the job protecting you and the others, so maybe it’s not like it’s a super common thing? At least, the stories they told the other night seemed to have plenty of variety in them. So maybe it’s not so bad…

...then again, even if it IS, you’re not sure it WOULDN’T be worth it, if only to see some of the amazing sights they’ve described. Heck, you’re already kind of amazed at the differences in architecture in whatever world this is. And the PEOPLE, no less...there even seems to be massive differences in how magic works, too. You get the feeling that even just THIS world would take ages to get used to...and you’re going to be doing this for...well, you don’t know how long, but you’re already pretty confident you’d never get tired of it.

cont.

File: Monosit.png (1.17 MB, 850x1146)

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>>1763753
At the moment, you’re in an abandoned...they called it an apartment building. It reminds you of a military barracks, but more furnished...if it wasn’t so dusty and run-down. Still, they’d deemed it worthwhile, and set up camp there...although you’re kind of astonished they don’t seem to have anything in the way of food supplies.

“We usually procure on-sight,” is the response from Miranda when you ask. “And that’s presuming we need to do it at all.”

What? “Yeah, some jobs we can mostly be in and out, and we’re fine without something to snack on. Was kiiinda hoping this would be one of ‘em...” Lorelei leans back against a wall as Izumi takes up a meditative position, a very strange looking gun in her lap.

Miranda just looks out of a window briefly, before snorting and pulling out a notepad. “Doesn’t seem like it. Think you can get us some food?” You blink briefly before you realize she was talking to Lorelei, who nods.

“I’ll just see if this place has the usual,” she offers. What surprises you is how no money seems to exchange hands or anything- she just sashays back out casually as she fixes her glasses. Miranda just nods and seems to frown at nothing and everything...you’ve been around her long enough to know that just seems to be her default state, but it still unnerves you a bit. You’re honestly more than a bit tired, but there’s a number of questions floating around in your head...

>So...how many jobs are usually like this? Hunting someone, I mean.
>What’s that gun, Izumi? Got nothing like that where I’m from.
>Say nothing, try to catch some shut-eye.
>Other

>>1763760
>So...how many jobs are usually like this? Hunting someone, I mean.
>How did this completely different world even contact you about the job?

>>1763760
>Other
How's money work?

10 minutes before lock.

>>1763760
>>So...how many jobs are usually like this? Hunting someone, I mean.

>>1763760
>what's that gun, izumi? Never seen it before.

Been writing, sorry!

>>1763760
>>1763770
>>1763849
You end up leaning back up, trying to find a decent spot to lie down- they’ve dragged in an old mattress for you and done their best to clean it up, but the rest of them seem content lying on the floor. “So...how many jobs are like this?”

“Like what?” Izumi asks, eyes still closed.

A quick roll over has your eyes meeting hers, closed or not. “Y’know...hunting someone down. Is it common, or more or less rare, or what?”

“Common enough,” Miranda mentions behind you. You can hear her stirring, but she doesn’t sound like she’s moving much. “Generally our job is to find something or someone, and kill it, but sometimes we get other jobs, like the protection detail I met you on. Didn’t you get this during the briefing before your test?”

“Kind of, yeah. I just...I kinda figured there were certain types, y’know?” You’re not certain how to feel about that, and you know that chances are high Miranda’s killed some...well, some not so bad people in her day. It’s not something you’ve put a lot of thought into- otherwise you might’ve changed your mind.

“There are. Izumi’s one of ‘em,” Miranda says, and you can detect a hint of strain in her voice at that. Izumi doesn’t react to it, however. “But...yeah, kid. Tried to tell you up front this wasn’t something I do to be nice. Whether you ignored it or not, you say yes, so you’re involved now. Up to you how you want your career to go, but I’m in it to survive.”

Hm. So...what are you in it for? Well...that’s pretty obvious. “I just wanted to see...well, everywhere, I guess.”

A small grunt. “Then get used to doing dirty stuff. If nothing else, I can tell you this- no one’s gonna judge you for it. Only thing that matters is what you want, and your paycheck as of now. Nothing else.” Izumi lets out a breath of air, but says nothing, and...a part of you wonders just what has Miranda done…?

What will YOU do in the future?

Lorelei comes back with a couple boxes of food- some strange seasoned noodles, lumps of chicken with sauce and seeds, and some other meats. It’s...surprisingly good, particularly the noodles with meat in them and the fried pockets of meat. You end up nodding off shortly after that.

------------

When you wake up, though, it’s midday, and due to a rough shaking by Miranda. “Up, now! We’ve got action!”

“W-w-what!” You’re disoriented, confused, and honestly just already panicked.

“Siphon’s been spotted- seems like Lorelei’s connections came through. She’s on-scene and trying to distract him!” Izumi’s already up and waiting, and you’re trying desperately to will yourself to wake up quicker. It mostly works, although Miranda dragging you up and bounding out of the old building does it a bit better.

You’re not sure whether it’s the jumping or the fact that you’re about to see live combat that makes your gut churn more.

Ugh, called in early, but was able to finish this. Need to teach Monomechanics anyway before the next post.

>>1763970
Cheers

Can't wait to make Mono become catatonic from regret and depression!

>>1763970
Monomechanics. Heh. Sounds like a real degree or a job
"Hi there! I'm a monomechanic"


>>1763982
I hope she doesn't end up like that. With miranda is more than enough.

The fact that Mono may pop her murder cherry on this job is gonna be interesting to write. She's never killed or willingly assisted in killing anyone before.

>>1763986
Well Moloch's got that covered with Heavenly Child and his older stuff, you're right that our little grump Miranda is enough.

>>1763989
I can smell the angst from here. At least this guy look like he deserves it, it will take one hell of a melodramatic backstory to justify this guy

>>1764002
... now I kind of want to see Miranda and Miho interact. Best problem with this setting. Too much potential for crossovers. Shame most attempts at that suck, no offense.

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>>1764046
Now you've got me thinking.
What if we were hired to KILL the protag of another quest?
That'd be fun.

>>1764779
Oh Lord, how would that even go down?

...whod you wanna go after?

>>1764975
Well, I haven't been on qst much since it began, so I have a somewhat limited repetiore of targets.
We could go back to starborn to kill purps or lex for a start.
We can try chiaki from MGNQ, (never liked it too much,)
Fight miho, like you suggested, or maybe settle and co. From PF's quest. If you wanna go old school, we could fight drew the lich or even beardbeard.

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>>1764975
And to answer the other question, violently.

(My color id changed cause i got back the the hotel and got on wifi, so I'm still the same guy who proposed this an hour ago.)

>>1765206
>>1764975

I dont think there are many quest PC that can tank the NEBULA BUSTA point blank. or in its general vicinty. Maybe the spaceship PCs, but i still have my doubts.

>>1765399
You think Jadyk could? With a good roll that dude would just absorb the damn thing like the little thief he is

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>>1765399
What if she has to fight a mirror version of herself?

>>1766330
i have the feeling they might unnironically say "nothing personnel, kid" or something like that.

...Huh. Interesting topic to come back to.

Anyway, howdy.

>>1766650
Alright. I still want to see Miranda listing off past qualifications, certifications, war crimes, genocides, massacres, and titles.

Okay! Monomechanics! So, really quick, Mono has different dice mechanics than the norm. Due to her particular skill, she has a bit more involved dice functions:

The only real technique she has right now is Set the Stage.

First, you pick a song type: Aggressive (Offense), Resolute (Defense), or Soulful (Random). Depending on the situation, they’ll be more or less difficult- this will be noted in the options. Then you roll 3d20, highest overall total, to beat a DC. This determines how well the parts can be sung, and how strong an effect they have on the surroundings. The better the DC gets beaten, the more powerful effects on the battlefield. Easier the song, easier the section DC, obviously. You’ll have to repeat this for however long you want her to keep singing. Obviously Mono can be interrupted, but unlike most, she gets to roll defense and composure if she faces an incoming attack.

Make sense? Any complaints?

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>>1766763
Can she do anything while singing?
Should we invest in drones and autonomous magitech assault golems that can intercept attacks against her and snipe targets while she sings?

>>1766763
Is Soulful a random pick between Aggressive and Resolute or random as in we don't get to choose the details of the reality warp? And I'm assuming the details of what we want the song to do influences the DC.

>>1766763
can we know what does Ste the Stage does, or we will have to wait until we use it on the quest?
Also, how does soulful works when we use it? will we have to roll from a table of effects?

>>1766804
Yes, she can move around while singing, but she cannot attack.
I mean that's certainly not a bad idea.

>>1766806
I sort of consider it the 'context-sensitive' option, but I don't know how to make it NOT sound like a one-size fits all solution, because it isn't. But yeah, you wouldn't get to choose either way.

and yes, it influences the DC.

>>1766813
That actually is a better idea than what I had in mind. I'm stealing that, thanks.

>>1766804
what the hell is that thing?
I really cant understand the first half of it.

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>>1766820
inb4 the chart is similar to pic related.

>>1766823
It's a bladesaw.
The machine is meant to run at extremely high speeds at a target and saw through flesh and bone.
It's meant only to target living creatures, not machines, hence the lack of anti-vehicle and anti-armor weapons.

Alright, any more questions can be asked, but right now, I'm writing.

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This nice little number is something that Mono could bring to a gunfight. It can fight and distract while she's changing the terrain to her advantage.

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>>1766862
But that's for looking cool.

This little buddy and his brothers are for the economical-minded mercenary.
Simple, rugged, with a variety of different options, these TALONs are eminently effective while still being expendable.

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>>1766862
>>1766867

maybe in the long run we could get her a mech suit. I don't mean gundam sized, but maybe somthing like what D.va uses or what you posted.

>>1763970
Oh god it looks horrible. It’s almost worse than the theater damage. Bunch of cars wrecked everywhere, craters in the ground, things are scorched and people are running... it’s all a mess, all such a big big mess-

-and there’s Lorelei running full tilt across the street, firing one-handed with strange sparkles flying from her fingertips towards what seems to be a standing inferno; it’s not something you haven’t seen before, what with Miranda’s abilities, but they’re not quite like hers. There’s something actually sort of pretty about them, and an errant thought makes you wonder if maybe you can do something like that yourself one day...if that’s even possible.

The sparkles impact and explode like flashbulbs, explosions in miniature ruining the street, and debris rains against the still pyre. And through it all- that man. A rictus grin on his face like he just found a new plaything, and he spins in his flames as though dancing, and a theatrical point sends another totaled vehicle Lorelei’s way- she moves smoothly out its path with a long leap, but the crushing impact the thing makes against the nearby building wall you can practically feel from here.

It honestly gives you a bad feeling in your guy. The way he’s not moving...you’re already not liking this.

“Found him,” Izumi notes dryly. “What’s the plan?”

“Mono stays at a distance to sing us some cover and ruin his view of things,” Miranda says strictly as the three of you alight on a balcony just out of range of the literal firefight. “Might be able to get off a surprise shot with that launcher too, if you can make it work. I’m going to go down and reinforce her. You stay back in case he gets too curious about the scenery change.”

“Sure you don’t want all three of us?” Izumi asks cautiously. “He’s rather a speedy one. And as quick as she is…” Sure enough, Lorelei looks unusually focused in comparison to her normal cheer; no joy or entertainment is on her face right now, just business and determination.

“I don’t feel comfortable leaving the rookie alone,” Miranda admits. “We don’t have time to debate.”

>Tell her you can stay out of trouble- because you can. Just keep out of sight.
>Accept her decision. This IS scary, and she probably knows this better than you.
>Other

>>1766929
>Tell her you can stay out of trouble- because you can. Just keep out of sight.
Believe in the Rookie.

>>1766929
>>Accept her decision. This IS scary, and she probably knows this better than you.

she is our superior and does know more than us. Also, if he discovers what we can do, and tries to tag us, we will have help.

>>1766929
>>Accept her decision. This IS scary, and she probably knows this better than you.

>>1766929
> accept her decision
We don't have the mobility to escape him and we are most useful setting the field up.

Locked, writing!

>>1766929
>>1766943
>>1766948
>>1766970
You decide to stay silent as Izumi’s expression makes it clear she’s not entirely keen on this plan of attack. Nonetheless, she acquiesces. “Alright. But the second something looks like it’s going too south-”

“You’ll do pretty much what I expected anyway,” is the response, and you’re actually surprised to see a bit of a smile on her face. Doesn’t last long, however, as another explosion calls their attention back to the battle. “Going in,” is the last thing Miranda says before she leaps from the balcony area, wreathed in greenish-blue flames of her own- she lets loose a torrent of blasts before immediately moving back to help Lorelei recompose herse-

“Let’s move to position, NOW.” Izumi is quick to grab onto you and quicker to leap up to the top of the building you’re on- it’s still not something you’re used to at all, their kind of movement. Moving AWAY from the battle? “Why are-”

“So I can get a better vantage point,” is her curt response as you both stop after she hits the rooftop edge. She looks back down the street- you can still see all three mostly clearly- and Izumi immediately takes up a prone position, dragging out that strange rifle that you saw earlier- she sets it up on some sort of tripod, then looks at you. “They said you can sing to change the battlefield, right? Can whatever you do keep a clear view for me?”

You’re...honestly a bit intimidated. That’s a lot of distance to cover...but hell, you can’t let that distract you now. You nod, and in response she puts on earmuffs. “Then get to it. They’re expecting it, too.” She quickly moves back to checking something with her gun, and you’re left inwardly panicking.

Okay, okay, okay, what to try, maybe something simple at first? Agh, but what if that’s too little? Maybe...hmmm...

>Aggressive Song- DC 28
>Resolute Song- DC 20
>Soulful Song- DC ???

(Roll AFTER song selection!)

>>1767123
>>Resolute Song- DC 20

>>1767123
>>Resolute Song- DC 20

>>1767123
>Soulful Song- DC ???

It has threequestion marks for the DC, therefore it has to be good!

>>1767123
>Resolute Song- DC 20

>>1767123
>Soulful Song- DC ???

Locked! Time for rolls, then! 3d20. Let's see what happens.

Rolled 10, 13, 19 = 42 (3d20)

>>1767222

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>1767222

Rolled 3, 19, 6 = 28 (3d20)

>>1767222

Rolled 16, 1, 7 = 24 (3d20)

>>1767222

>>1767250
You just HAD to do it didn't you

Rolled 15, 16, 14 = 45 (3d20)

>>1767222
apparently i rolled >>1767233 wrong

Aaand that's all! I kinda expected a solid pass since this was a first time thing.

>>1767272
I don't understand this sentence. Are we done for today?

No, I was preoccupied for a bit. THOUGHT I was done for today, but apparently I'm not (until I am, most likely...) We're still going.

>>1767123
>>1767128
>>1767135
>>1767136
>>1767162
>>1767230
>>1767244
>>1767268

Alright, alright. You can do this. You can focus! It takes a second or two to center yourself, but you’ve had practice with this- needing to sing on short notice, and having to work with little instruction. It’s not common, but damned if you can say you’ve done it before and will do it again! Eyes forward, body still, you open your mouth…

...and you SING.

What comes out of your mouth is...you almost don’t know where the lyrics come from, and if you’re being honest, you can’t say you can even really hear yourself. All you know is that the world starts to shape, twist to fit the thought in your mind’s eye, and before you know it what you have before you isn’t a street filled with debris and chaos-

It’s an immense, stalwart courtyard, full of rocks and natural formations. You’re on top of a cliffface, in the vague shape of a building, and the rest of the objects around seem to be rocks, trees, everything organic in nature, and already you feel a pang of homesickness- you’re quick to stamp that out, however, for more than one reason. You can just barely see Siphon pause briefly, looking around in curiosity as Miranda and Lorelei take cover behind a large rock formation. There’s words being exchanged, you think, the way they’re nodding to each other-

And then a LOUD gunshot goes off near you, startling you with a yip and making everything fade and fizzle- briefly revealing that Monique and Lorelei were hiding behind thin air, and immediately causing them to scatter as with a decent sized explosion for a human, Siphon slumps to the ground. “Damnit, sorry!” Izumi quickly mentions, growling to herself. “Should’ve warned you, rookie mistake! But I can confirm a hit.”

Yeah, that was obvious enough- Siphon’s laying in a pool of his own blood, having slumped over on impact. The glee isn’t masked in your voice. “Well, look at that! I think we got...” and then you actually look at Izumi.

She’s not even moving from the scope. “Get back to it.” she orders quietly, and when you turn back you see why.

cont.

>>1767566
The flesh of the head is halfway torn off- but Siphon is ALREADY clambering back to his feet like he merely got shoved, the viscera and blood sloughing from his body in waves as he holds his head steady in one hand. With an annoyed grunt he looks in the direction of you and where the shot came from- and then gets slammed in the back by a salvo of magi-blasts; it’s not even enough to bother mentioning, though, as he almost immediately manages to roll through the tumble, and in a flash, he’s off- right as Izumi fires again, her second bullet catching nothing but pavement.

“Yikes, he’s fast.” That’s about all you feel you could say. This was close, right?

“Lost the target,” Izumi says sourly. “For now.”

To your surprise, Miranda doesn’t seem too torn up about it- at least over comms. “We know he can bleed, at least. We’ll catch him.”]

“Where’d those other superheroes go?” Lorelei wonders. “Can’t imagine that fight took THAT long…”

"Good question," Izumi admits.

>Mmmaybe we should look for them?
>Could they be looking into that thing with the symbol we gave them?
>Late? Should we wait around, see if there are any that show up?
>I thought they said he was bulletproof...
>Other

>>1767568
>Mmmaybe we should look for them?
Call me a newbie, but I don't want them to be caught by him. Both because it would suck to have that happen, and because I don't want to have a harder fight.

>>1767568
>I thought they said he was bulletproof...

>>1767568
>I thought they said he was bulletproof...
>Forget them, let's catch him. Don't give him a moment to rest

>>1767568
>Other
Fucking chase the baddie! That a very short fight. We didn't even get try try the orbital trap.

Will resume tomorrow, sorry!

>>1767760
chase him where? he ran away.
>>1767568
>Mmmaybe we should look for them?

>>1768018
>chase him where? he ran away.
Chase him wherever he went, obviously. Use our smellovision or something.

>>1768138
he runs at half the speed of sound, so he can be out of the city in minutes, if not seconds and the smellometer will giving us false positives with the ammount of heroes around. The only thing we can do right now is to track him again from zero.

>>1767568
>I thought they said he was bulletproof...
>Mmmaybe we should look for them?
After regrouping maybe?

>>1767568
>>Mmmaybe we should look for them?

>>1767568
>Mmmaybe we should look for them?
>Could they be looking into that thing with the symbol we gave them?

>>1767603
>>1767611
>>1768567

They also said it's hard for him to use multiple powers, and that he had to be aware of the bullets to prevent him using his Ferrokinesis to redirect them.

>>1763074
The "hit him till he dies to death" plan could have worked here without a crit fail.

Hey, folks. Will be writing shortly.

>>1769695
hit anything untill it dies is a pretty solid plan. the problem was that we stopped attacking the moment he fell and had a hole in his torso. we should have kept blasting him until there was nothing left.

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>>1769786
I'd like to see Miranda do something similar to what's happening in this comic sometime.

>>1769816
didnt we do that on the fantasy world?

>>1767568
>>1767591
>>1768018
>>1768567
>>1769350
>>1769695
Uhh...yeah, that was bad, huh? That is, if they were expected to be here and weren’t. “Maaaybe we should look for them, then?” You’re still not sure how you’re supposed to act being the new girl on the team, but considering they haven’t yelled at you so far…

“Dunno how successful that’d be, but the idea has merit,” Izumi admits. “If they got held up by something, that’s one thing, but if they were incapacitated…”

“Prolly not the best idea letting him get another power,” Lorelei finishes. “Would just make our job tougher. I’ll put in a call.”

“Good,” Miranda agrees- and then she makes a sound of annoyance. “In the meantime, let’s get out of here. Too many people are starting to come back and gawk.”

----------

It’s a lot of high jumping and you being carried on Izumi’s back as you get out of the immediate area, and it’s starting to make you sick. No, really, your stomach isn’t in the best condition. “Watch says they haven’t noticed anything leave the city, at least not at high speeds,” Lorelei reports. “So likely Siphon’s still kicking around somewhere.”

“Good to know.” Miranda’s still oddly calm. “I got a decent whiff of him earlier- I can probably tag him out of a crowd...hopefully.” she adds the last bit under her breath. You vaguely recall she did some smell thing before- maybe that’s what that was?

“West end!” Lorelei suddenly shouts. “Gravimetra and Smog were last seen on the west end of the city responding to a 'situation'. A lot of the other heroes were tied up, apparently. Several working security detail for some minor business meeting, others with other crimes. But those two went into the building, haven’t come out.” Another brief silence. “They want us to investigate.”

“Ngh. Fine.” She sighs. “Ginger, Vanilla-” wait, Vanilla? Who is- “-you go do that. We’re going to track down Siphon, make sure he’s not sucking up other people’s powers. Sugar, please tell me they got his last known direction.”

“Yup!”

>Wait, shouldn’t we stick together? (Stay with Mono)
>Switch to Lorelei
>Switch to Izumi
>Switch to Miranda
>Other

>>1770050
>Switch to Izumi
Time for JUSTICE

>>1770050
>>Wait, shouldn’t we stick together? (Stay with Mono)

>>1770050
>>Switch to Izumi

>>1770050
>Switch to Izumi

Locked. Izumi is desired. Writing!

>>1770103
How do code names for party missions usually work? It seems Sal picks out names, or rolls with local names, for a number of Miranda's solo missions. But the party missions have seemed to be less "Are you [insert name here]?" and more "Who the hell are you?" So what's the standard operating procedure for the girls when Sal's not handing out the pseudonyms?

>>1770107
Make something up on the fly.

>>1770050
>>1770056
>>1770070
>>1770077
It’s not an easy journey, by any means. The fact that you have a new person on such a mission- you’re not really happy about it, but she seems to be holding up well enough. At least she did start to help out- if you hadn’t completely forgotten that she doesn’t have familiarity with high-velocity guns, or combat in general. Ugh. You’ll be kicking yourself for a while for that one. Mono doesn’t seem to be arguing, at least, but the occasional grunt from her makes you wonder.

“Don’t s’pect I’ll be needing to sing this time, huh?” You had to admit, that was unlikely, and you shake your head to confirm.

As you approach, you look towards Lorelei, who’s been keeping up with you for now. “219 Johnson is the address. Be careful, probably armed. Good luck!” With little further warning, she darts off in the direction Miranda had left earlier.

Luckily for you, it’s not too difficult to pinpoint the location. The area seems to be some sort of business building, and there’s no one there, surprisingly...but you soon hear sirens, and you know your time is short. You’ll have to make this quick.

>Go through a window. Might alarm whoever's there, but they won't have a lot of time to respond. Neither will the cops.
>Start at the top. There's clearly an entrance there, an open one, too...they clearly weren't expecting anyone else to use it for now, but that might be for a reason...
>Start at the bottom. Easy entrance, and you doubt they'll be just lounging about, right? You might be able to get the jump on them, but it won't be quick, most likely.
>Other

Oh my lord I thought I'd posted this at LEAST 20 minutes ago. REALLY sorry. I'm playing another quest at the same time. Thanks to whoever tipped me off to Heavenly Child Quest.

>>1770329
>Use hearing boost to see if we can quickly pinpoint a floor of interest

>>1770329
>>Start at the top. There's clearly an entrance there, an open one, too...they clearly weren't expecting anyone else to use it for now, but that might be for a reason...

>>1770332
I'm surprised you weren't reading it already, it's fantastic

>>1770350
It IS.

>>1770329
>Other
Use hearing boost to see if we can hear what's going on inside the building.

>>1770329
>>Start at the top. There's clearly an entrance there, an open one, too...they clearly weren't expecting anyone else to use it for now, but that might be for a reason...

3 more minutes.

>>1770329
>Use hearing boost to see if we can quickly pinpoint a floor of interest

Scanning...scanning...writing.

>>1770329
>>1770343
>>1770360
>>1770381
You have to stop yourself, and get Mono off, who looks at you with a curious expression as you take a deep breath and focus. There’s...some words being exchanged, although you can only just barely hear mutterings. Too much in between you and the source. However, you CAN tell that they’re not on the top floor, surprisingly- they’re more in the middle. You’d guess...somewhere around the seventh floor? If those rows of windows are all floors, then this place has twelve. You end up making a bit of a frown as you relay that information.

“That’s not good, right?” Mono asks. You just look at her, before grabbing her, leaping up to the top of the roof (with a slight yelp from her), and you’re quick to double check your surroundings. Finally certain of current clearance, you let out a huff. “No, it’s not.” Already you’re dragging out your assault rifle. “Be careful, and stay behind me.”

You hope she can be quiet enough. She DID pass her test, so...well, you’re about to see if that was deserved.

>Roll 1d20, best of 3 for operating.

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>1770474

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>1770474

>>1770488
>>1770485
God wants us to fail

Oh dear. Can this be saved?

Rolled 1 (1d20)

>>1770474

Apparently not.

srnkhaha dang.

Writing!

>>1770519
>Rookie has panicked.

[X-COM Intensifies]

Jesus why

>>1770474
>>1770485
>>1770488
>>1770515
There’s a certain feel to moving through buildings like this. There’s a science- at least when you’re alone. Playbook. Check, sweep, step step step, careful. Clear the hallway, sweep again, move. It’s speed and thoroughness- like a dance, perhaps. It’s a dance that you’re well used to by now, using both bullet and brain as your dance partners. Occasionally others, who are also attuned to the dance...if not quite so intimately. As you move through the well-carpeted halls, rife with pictures and plants, you find yourself zoning out- or perhaps in, as your focus narrrows like it has so many times before.

Unfortunately, through that focus, you can sense that your partner on this particular infiltration...isn’t quite so accustomed. It’s before long you start hearing voices. Actual words, not just mutterings, and you give a quick wordless signal to her to hang back. You don’t know if she confirmed it or not, you’re too focused on the two individuals that are standing guard down the hallway- hm. You could probably take them both out with a pistol, if you didn’t think they heard…

*thump*

And there your body freezes. You chance a look back in a cold sweat as your partner, wide-eyed, looks to her immediate right- a simple potted plant on a small table, brushed against the wall.

For a second, you’re hoping against hope that maybe they didn’t notice, that you can still-

“Who’s there?” Silence, although you can hear a gentle whine come from Mono’s direction, and you’re tempted to glare at her briefly- then that urge is restrained, tapered back. This is not the end of the dance. “Sirs, we have a audio of a possible intruder on floor eleven, moving to subdue.” Damn. “Again, who’s there? Come out quietly and no one gets hurt.”

“Oh no, oh man, oh no…” Mono’s hand reaches to her sword, but it’s jittery, unfocused. She hasn’t taken a life before, you recall- not an actual one. Maybe earlier she was mollified by the fact that she wouldn’t be in the direct line of fire, but now? Now it’s fight or die.

You try to put a hand on her as the steps get closer, but before you can even get close, she leaps out- her blade swinging through the air, and it’s all you can do to bite down a curse as yells and shots ring out.

cont.

>>1770679
Almost immediately you’re quick to rush towards Mono in a near-tackle, dragging her with gritted teeth back down the hallway as the you see blood spurting from both parties and one of them yelling into his comms.

“You just-” No, no, that can come later. As you carry her back over one arm, you’re quick to notice that there’s a large red stain on her left side, but the wild look in her eyes makes it clear that she doesn’t notice, constantly darting around. Might not be the worst idea.

You’re quick to dart down the hallway, moving further up than you’d like, and now extra alert for any new ‘guests’.

>Call it in, now, and exfiltrate- you’ve already been made. Anger, embarrassment, and a lot of other feelings are going through your head, but this isn’t worth the risk to your friend’s life...even if someone else’s might be sacrificed.
>See how bad Mono’s injury is. If it’s not that bad, then you’ll just have to be particularly...forceful in moving on. Mono should be able to deal with it for that long- otherwise she wouldn’t last as an Outgoer.
>Other

>>1770682
>>See how bad Mono’s injury is. If it’s not that bad, then you’ll just have to be particularly...forceful in moving on. Mono should be able to deal with it for that long- otherwise she wouldn’t last as an Outgoer.

>>1770682
>>See how bad Mono’s injury is. If it’s not that bad, then you’ll just have to be particularly...forceful in moving on. Mono should be able to deal with it for that long- otherwise she wouldn’t last as an Outgoer.

>>1770682
>See how bad Mono’s injury is. If it’s not that bad, then you’ll just have to be particularly...forceful in moving on. Mono should be able to deal with it for that long- otherwise she wouldn’t last as an Outgoer.

>>1770682
>Other

> If the injured guard doesn't need immediate first aid, grab the non-injured guard and exfiltrate. Hostage + info.

Otherwise offer to let him give his friend first aid and destroy one radio set and take the other and continue on.

5 minute warning!

And that's a lock.

>>1770682
>>1770692
>>1770698
>>1770709
There’s not a whole lot you can do here- you can either leave or tough it out, but before anything else, you need to take a look at Mono’s injury, and so you’re quick to slip into a bathroom nearby, if only because...well, who’d go?

It’s empty (and smelly), but it lets you breath a sigh of relief, and before she can complain or apologise or anything at all, you’re quick to lift her shirt and double check exactly what the wound is. “Don’t speak,” you quickly whisper in a hard tone as she whimpers, now that the adreneline’s wearing off a bit. “And try to stay quiet. Now let me see here…”

It seems to be a gash- bullet wound, as expected, but relatively shallow, if long. It’s bleeding, and a few minutes’ focus could fix it up, as loathe as you’d be to spend further time hiding out. Frankly, you’re unsure if you should even take the risk…

“I’ll...damn, this stings, but I can keep going.” You’re careful to study her face...it’s not entirely confident, but she’s not constantly wincing in pain at least, so that’s a positive sign. She’s also not breathing exceptionally hard. “I’ve had accidents before.”

“But not combat,” you note dryly. She has the good sense to bow her head at that.

“Sorry, I just...I freaked out, yeah? I’m not...I’ve never done anyone in before. I heard him coming and I just-” you’re quick to silence her again, physically via a hand on her lips.

You try to fix her with the nicest yet strictest smile you can under these conditions. “I understand, but you’re going to have to get over that quick, I’m afraid. Our fights and missions are rarely clean and simple. Death is a factor you must come to terms with.” The look on her face isn’t quite a grimace...but you can tell she’s nervous. At least she’s not disapproving. You have standards, most certainly. You loathe the idea of an innocent’s blood staining your blade. But for those who oppose...well, some lives must be ended so others can live in peace.

“Right…” At her nod and deep breath, you’re quick to find your hand in your bag- you’ve got a few things in here that might- ah! Roll of gauze. Should work. A quick wrap up, and she nods her thanks as you get ready to get back outside.

“They know we’re here. They’ll be hunting us. We must take care of them before they take care of us. Are you ready?” She nods. “Then let’s move!” And with that you both exit the bathroom- as you almost immediately hear voices coming down the hallway. This time, at least, Mono doesn’t panic, just taking a deep breath as she lays her hand on her sword. Three of them, you can tell. There’s a crossways just in front of you going to your right, and beyond that a simple right turn- behind you is a straight line, but ends in a T section three doors down. Your breathing slows, and you focus, your rifle sights lined right on that corner in the hallway.

They will not get the first shot again.

Done for tonight. Will resume with pew pews tomorrow!

>>1770896
Thanks for runnin'
Poor mono. At least she has Izumi in front of her.

>>1771536
Mono really did get thrown in the deep end here. Kinda surprised y'all went for it, but I'm not gonna complain!

>>1771593
. . . Could she sing us a hallway towards the target? Or hum holes in walls for dynamic entry?

Could she sing an area of silence into existence?

>>1771750
We Paprika now https://youtu.be/yn7U1KIGeuQ?t=16s

Setting up a new thread!

>>1777967
>>1777967
>>1777967

Forgot to link.